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Most western church bells have clappers inside the bells, and are rung by swinging
(English change ringing begins with the bell upside down). Even when the clapper
is operated (as in a carillon), it's still inside the bell. However, Buddhist temple bells
are rung with external hammers. The Bell at Sangwon-sa Temple in Odaesan National Park is said to be the oldest in Korea. It was cast in copper in 725. That is not a misprint: this bell was made in the eighth century. (Some sources date it even earlier, to the seventh century.) It is decorated with a lotus pattern and with images of heavenly musicians. The sound of this bell is said to be like the growling of a beast. Click on the photo above to hear the bell ring (requires Real Audio player). It's been said that in the west, bells are made to please human ears, but in Asia, bells are made as an offering to God. In any case, Korean bell-founding in the ancient era was a highly developed technology. Korean bells were prized throughout Asia, and were considered to be superior to Chinese and Japanese bells. The Sangwon-sa temple bell has been designated a national treasure (no. 36), and is now rung only rarely. It is secured in its own building on the temple grounds to keep it away from the constant touching of visitors, and to prevent possible damage, accidental or otherwise. The photo above was taken by slipping the camera in past the bars on the unglassed windows. Note the coins on the floor -- something you might expect to see at a similar attraction in the west.
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